Nigeria military moves against Arbaeen procession

SHAFAQNA – Nigeria armed forces have reportedly attacked an Arbaeen procession in Kano, yet another unwarranted act of violence against Shia Muslims in the country.

Caught within the web of Wahhabism, Nigeria has seen its people’s religious freedom violated in the most brutal and inhumane fashion.

Ever since the military moved against Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky in January, in his hometown of Zaria, violence has swept the country uncontrollably.

In late July, 2016, Human Rights Watch documented sexual abuse, including rape and exploitation, of 43 women and girls living in seven internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The victims had been displaced from several Borno towns and villages, including Abadam, Bama, Baga, Damasak, Dikwa, Gamboru Ngala, Gwoza, Kukawa, and Walassa. In some cases, the victims had arrived in the under-served Maiduguri camps, where their movement is severely restricted after spending months in military screening camps.

“It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram,” said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them.”